FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – ECU senior offensive lineman Garrett McGhin has been named to the 2018 Wuerffel Trophy Watch List according to an announcement by the organization Thursday.

A Preseason All-American Athletic Conference selection by Phil Steele’s College Football Preview Magazine, McGhin anchored an offensive line that reached 400 or more total yards on seven occasions, which included five passing outings of 300-plus yards and one 100-yard rushing effort. A year ago, the Pirates ranked 12th nationally in passing offense (317.9 ypg) and 42nd in total offense (425.6 ypg).

McGhin has played in 36 career contests, owning a combined 22 starts at the guard and center positions. He has been an integral part of an ECU offense that has produced 18 400-yard outings – seven of 500-plus yards – dating back to the 2016 season opener.

In the classroom, McGhin earned his bachelor’s degree in communication on May 4, 2018 and is currently working on a health communication certificate. He has also volunteered his time in the community working with programs such as Aces for Autism, Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina, James & Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital/Vidant Medical Center, Pirate Armada, Pitt County Trash Pick-up, Ronald McDonald House and the Special Olympics. During the annual American Athletic Conference Media Day event, McGhin worked with the American Digital Network as a media correspondent.

The Wuerffel Trophy, known as "College Football's Premier Award for Community Service," is presented annually at the All Sports Association’s Awards Banquet in Fort Walton Beach. Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel from the University of Florida, the Wuerffel Trophy is awarded to the FBS player that best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.

Voting for the Wuerffel Trophy is performed by a national selection committee that includes college football television and print media, industry notables, former head coaches and prior Wuerffel Trophy recipients.

The formal announcement of the 2018 recipient will be made at the National Football Foundation's press conference in New York City on December 4. The presentation of the 2018 Wuerffel Trophy will occur on February 15, 2019.

McGhin is the third Pirate to be named to a preseason watch list this season, joining wide receiver Trevon Brown (Biletnikoff Award) and defensive tackle Alex Turner (AFCA Good Works Team®).